Extra fuel allowance payment from today

It was announced in recent weeks.

An extra fuel allowance payment of €125 is being paid to recipients from today.

372,000 households will get the payment this week, which is in addition to the usual winter fuel allowance payment.

The extra payment is part of the €505 million package announced by the Government last month in a bid to mitigate against some of the effects of rising fuel prices.

Social Protection Minister and Cavan-Monaghan Fine Gael TD Heather Humphreys announced the payment this morning.

“I’m acutely conscious that the rising cost of living is causing considerable concern for families. We have all felt it in recent months - through our bills, at the petrol station and in the supermarket.

“And unfortunately, the situation is not being helped by the horrific war unfolding in Ukraine.

Petrol, diesel and oil prices have risen sharply in the past fortnight, followint the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A cut to excise duty on the fuels was announced by Government last week but prices remain high.

Local retailers had called for action ahead of the announcement.

The extra fuel allowance payment will arrive in people's bank accounts throughout the week, depending on which social protection scheme they are in receipt of.

Local Fianna Fáil TD Niamh Smyth has welcomed the announcement.

"The Fuel Allowance plays a vital role in assisting tens of thousands of households with their heating costs over the winter months.

“This €125 lump sum fuel allowance payment is aimed at the most vulnerable people in our society, to ensure that they are protected against rising fuel costs.

“This payment, in addition to the Budget increase to the fuel allowance will mean low-income households see an increase of 41% this fuel allowance season compared to the last season.”